The uvs/ dataset contains all data collected using Pristine Seas’ SCUBA-based underwater visual survey (UVS) protocols. These methods assess reef fish, benthic cover, invertebrates, and coral recruits at spatially co-located reef sites, using a standardized and depth-stratified survey design.
Each UVS site typically includes multiple stations across depth strata (e.g., shallow, deep), where several survey protocols may be conducted in parallel.
The dataset is structured to balance:
Modularity by protocol — each sub-method (BLT, LPI, inverts, recruits) has dedicated tables
Shared spatial infrastructure — common sites and stations tables ensure alignment across protocols
This architecture enables flexible, protocol-specific analysis and integrated reef assessments across taxa and trophic groups.
1 Dataset Structure
uvs/
├── sites # Deployment-level metadata for each UVS dive
├── stations # Depth-stratified units within each dive
├── blt_stations # Fish transects (BLT)
├── blt_observations # Raw fish counts
├── blt_biomass_by_taxa # Station-level biomass summaries
├── lpi_stations # Benthic transects
├── lpi_counts # Raw point intercepts
├── lpi_cover_by_taxa # Cover summary by benthic taxon
├── inverts_stations # Invertebrate survey transects
├── inverts_counts # Raw invertebrate observations
├── recruits_stations # Coral recruit transects
├── recruits_counts # Raw coral recruit counts
Each table is documented in its own section below.
2 Tables
2.1uvs.sites
This table contains site-level metadata for all underwater visual surveys. Each row represents a discrete SCUBA dive at a location, typically involving multiple co-located survey protocols (e.g., fish BLT, LPI, inverts, recruits).
It follows the core site schema defined in expeditions.sites, with additional UVS-specific fields (Table 1)
Table 1: Adiditonal fields in the uvs.sites table
Field
Type
Required
Description
site_name
STRING
false
Local site name. Used in previous surveys or by local partners